Christian E. Hinz

christian hinz

February 9, 1937 ~ March 9, 2020

Born in: Reading, PA
Resided in: Pueblo, CO

Christian “Chris” E. Hinz passed away peacefully at his home March 9th, 2020, at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Martha “Marde” Hinz; two children, Mark and Nadine Saville and husband, Bob; and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; various relatives and close friends; and by many friends and former colleagues.

With a thirst for knowledge, he was an avid reader, world history buff and world explorer. He was happiest exploring the U.S. Southwest and seeking the culture and artifacts of the early cultures that resided there, particularly the Anasazi. He was also passionate about the culture and archaeology of other Mesoamerican cultures and traveled extensively in that area, as well as other archaeological sites throughout the world. His extensive travel included, Peru, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Czech Republic, Egypt, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England, Wales Austria, and the Nederlands. Chris has been to all 50 states and numerous trips to Canada and Mexico. In addition, Chris spent much time walking the Arkansas River Trail with his wife in later years and they adopted a mile of the trail as custodians.

Chris was born to Rhena and Jacob Hinz February 9th 1937, in Reading, PA

He began working at an early age with various odd jobs and graduated high school in Reading.

He met and married Martha “Marde” in 1958 where she was in nurses training in Allentown and he was attending Muhlenberg College.

He then graduated from Muhlenberg College in 1959 with a BA in Sociology

He worked as a social worker in Cody, WY for several years before pursuing a masters degree.

He received his masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis in 1964 and received his ACSW license in 1968

Chris moved to Pueblo in 1966 and worked as a social worker at the Colorado State Hospital. He had a successful 30 year career with progressive advancement to the executive level. In 1982, he received his masters in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. When he retired in 1995 , he held the position of Director of Planning and Quality Assurance for the hospital since 1980.

In addition to his professional affiliations he was actively involved in various community development projects and volunteered his time to numerous organizations.

He helped establish and was on the board of the Community Health Centers.

Also on the board of the Pueblo Zoo, he volunteered his time in many capacities for 20 years. His favorite activity during that time  was as a llama leader for “Boardwalk” the llama.

Chris was a genuine people person and lived a rich life, full of adventure, compassion and kindness. His final wishes were to be cremated with no services. If desired, memorials can be made to local charities of your choice. Suggested charities include Sangre de Cristo Hospice, 1207 Pueblo Blvd. Way, Pueblo, CO  81005, Pueblo Care and Share, 100 Greenhorn Dr # 100, Pueblo, CO 81004 and the Pueblo Zoo, 3455 Nuckolls Ave, Pueblo, CO 81005. His Family and friends live on, honoring his zest for life and the impact his presence had on all who knew him.

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  1. Marde
    You have been in my thoughts and prayers since learning of your loss. Sorry I have taken so long to let you know that I am thinking of you. I know words don’t really lessen the pain but hope it helps to know that you are remembered fondly.

  2. Marie, Mark, Nadine & Bob, we were so sad to read of Chris’s passing. We remember the the many great times we’ve had with your family through the growing up years and beyond! We also have fond memories of working with Chris at the State Hospital as our Boss.

  3. Marde, so sorry for the loss of your loving husband. We would so often see you two walking and enjoying time together.
    I have good memories of working together with you at St. MCH. Chris always bought you such beautiful Southwestern jewelry. And you wore it well.
    May God Bless You and your family! So sorry!

  4. Dante Alighieri wrote – “The experience of this sweet life.” Chris through his interests, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and positive attitude lived a sweet life. His easy manner, gentlemanly qualities, patience, and common sense made him a joy to know, to work with and engaging socially.
    Thanks Chris for the goodness, joy, good will and purpose your brought to the world.
    Frank and Martha Kinnaird

  5. Made, please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of Chris. He was incredibly helpful to me as I began my volunteer service at Pueblo Zoo with the llamas. Chris was someone who inspired others to be the best they could be. I will always consider myself so fortunate to have known him.

  6. Mardi Mark Nadine
    May the wonderful memories give you strength during this rough hurdle. Chris spirit will always
    be with us. He has left an indelible mark in me and will miss him so.
    Special Friendship and Love Jo Vaughan (Neighbor)

  7. Dear Cousin and Family: I am so sorry to learn of your loss of Chris: I pray his passing was pain free and peaceful and in going forward with your life, you will find comfort and peace in all the many loving memories you have of your married life and can lean on your children/neighbors/friends.
    God took my hubby Don home 3 yrs ago the 24, so I know first hand the feeling of grief/sadness and pain and that life can be very hard alone, tho sharp heart ache does become softer, and again it is the Memories that help all along a hard road to travel: but God does walk beside us always.
    Love and Peace to you and yours. Cousin, Edna Jean.

  8. We will miss seeing and visiting with him on the Arkansas River Trail. Both of you were regulars and helped keep the trail free of clutter.


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